RISE lap siding delivers the only 20-foot boards in the market, made from 94% recycled synthetic fibers that can handle ground contact where other sidings fail. At 3/8” thick with an 8.25” total width and 7” reveal, these boards eliminate the seam problem that plagues standard 12- and 16-foot siding.
The ground-contact capability changes the game for Montana installations. RISE is ground-contact capable with two-sided water protection (front and back barrier over synthetic fibers). Spring snowmelt soaks foundation perimeters for weeks. Traditional fiber cement and engineered wood products need careful clearance from soil. RISE doesn’t.
Installation Efficiency and Specifications
The 20-foot length advantage shows up immediately on the jobsite. Extra-long 20’ lengths (only product on the market in this length) to minimize seams. Standard fiber cement comes in 12-foot lengths. LP SmartSide maxes out at 16 feet. Those extra 4 to 8 feet per board mean fewer butt joints, less caulking, and cleaner sight lines on long wall runs.
Weight matters when crews are hanging siding all day. Lightweight; significantly less breakage than fiber cement. Fiber cement boards crack during transport and handling. Drop one and it’s scrap. RISE’s synthetic fiber construction flexes instead of shattering.
| Specification | RISE Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 20 feet |
| Width | 8.25 inches |
| Thickness | 3/8 inch |
| Reveal | 7 inches |
| Material | 94% recycled synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon, fiberglass) |
| Stud Spacing | Maximum 16 inches on-center |
| Fastening | 8d hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel nails |
| Overlap | Minimum 1.25 inches |
Installation runs like standard lap siding. Standard wood-cutting tools; no specialized shears or masonry blades required. Fiber cement needs carbide blades and generates silica dust. RISE cuts with the same saws crews already carry. 8d hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel nails; .297 in head diameter; penetrate >=1.5 in into framing — standard nailing pattern that any siding crew knows.
Ground Contact and Moisture Performance
The ground-contact rating opens up installation options. Ground-contact capable: can be installed touching the ground or in low-lying areas. Montana’s freeze-thaw cycles create frost heave that shifts grade levels. Spring melt pools water against foundations. Traditional siding needs 6-8 inch clearance that looks awkward and creates pest entry points.
High moisture resistance: resists rot, decay, and freeze-thaw damage. The synthetic fiber core won’t absorb water like OSB-based products. Minimal expansion and contraction rates compared to wood/OSB — critical when Montana sees 100-degree temperature swings between January lows and July highs.
Montana contractors know the spring callback season. Siding that looked perfect in October shows gaps, buckles, or moisture damage after a winter of freeze-thaw cycling. RISE’s dimensional stability and moisture resistance cut those warranty calls.
Material Comparisons and Trade-offs
RISE is lighter, less brittle (won’t crack during transit), and available in 20’ lengths compared to Hardie’s 12’. RISE is also ground-contact capable. RISE is fully synthetic and does not require the same edge-sealing precautions as OSB-based products. RISE offers 20’ lengths vs 16’ for LP.
The recycled content hits 94% — mostly recycled carpet fibers. That matters for LEED projects and green building certifications. But the real value shows in performance, not environmental scorecards.
30-Year Limited Warranty; Comprehensive protection against moisture damage and material defects; backed by CertainTeed/RISE partnership. CertainTeed backing adds credibility for contractors selling premium siding jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can RISE siding really touch the ground without rotting? Yes. Ground-contact capable: can be installed touching the ground or in low-lying areas thanks to the synthetic fiber construction and two-sided water protection. The 94% recycled synthetic fibers don’t absorb moisture like wood or OSB products.
What tools do I need to cut RISE siding? Standard wood-cutting tools; no specialized shears or masonry blades required. Your regular circular saw with a fine-tooth blade handles it. No silica dust like fiber cement cutting.
How do the 20-foot lengths affect installation? Contractors highlight the efficiency of 20’ boards. Fewer seams mean less caulking and cleaner sight lines. You’ll need proper support when handling 20-foot boards — they’re lightweight but still need two people for safe installation.
What’s the actual weight difference versus fiber cement? RISE is lightweight with significantly less breakage than fiber cement. Specific pound-per-board comparisons vary by product line, but the practical difference is clear: less worker fatigue and fewer cracked boards on the jobsite.
Does RISE require special trim or accessories? Requires a 3/8 inch thick starter strip. RISE Trim (various widths available separately) and RISE Joint Covers (8-3/8 in for covering seams) are available. Color-matched elastomeric sealant meeting ASTM C920 at trim/roof lines handles transitions.
How does RISE handle Montana’s freeze-thaw cycles? High moisture resistance: resists rot, decay, and freeze-thaw damage. The minimal expansion and contraction rates compared to wood/OSB prevent the buckling and gapping that plague other sidings through Montana winters.
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